UPDATE: Gifts stolen by 'grinch' returned for Christmas

I come from a small town called Peak Crossing and grew up in the country. I love the community atmosphere close-knit towns like Peak Crossing and Ipswich have. I firmly believe that everyone has a story to tell and my favourite part about journalism is meeting new and interesting people and sharing their stories. Send any news tips to anna.hartley@qt.com.au

Police are still on the look out for the thief and investigations are continuing.

The gift was fingerprinted by police, who are continuing to hunt for the alleged bag thief.

EARLIER:

A CHRISTMAS Grinch has ruined the perfect surprise present for Geoff Gardiner's daughter.

The North Booval resident is calling on the community to help identify the man who appears to have stolen a package containing two vintage handbags.

The brazen crime in broad daylight was caught on CCTV and Mr Gardiner has posted the footage online, hoping someone recognises the apparent thief.

The bags were worth about $200 each and when they hadn't arrived on Monday Mr Gardiner's wife thought to check on its delivery status.

"My wife has been waiting for the package all week," Mr Gardiner said.

"We looked online… and it said it had been delivered at 2.20pm on Monday December 12, so we went over the cameras.

"You see the guy deliver it, then about 20 or 25 minutes later you see another guy walk past.

"He spots the package, walks into the yard and then it was gone."

Mr Gardiner has reported the missing package, along with the footage, to police and said his daughter was "really upset" when she found out what her parents had planned to give her - a gift she would now miss out on.

"She was really disappointed when she found out.

"The theft hasn't ruined Christmas, we'll get over it but we are really hoping to get the bags back."

Mr Gardiner, a truck driver, was advised to install the CCTV camera a few years ago but said this is the first time he's had any issues in the neighbourhood.